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11/22/2013

What a Week!

Last week was special for many reasons. It began in Puerto Rico, where our Clubs were hosting the TEDxYouth@San Juan youth development conference. As one of 12 speakers, it was wonderful to articulate the significance of after-school programs, the results they derive in youth, and the role that Boys & Girls Clubs play in the field. A full house was on hand, with audiences around the world tuning in to see the presentation in the acclaimed TED format.

Then it was onto Scottsdale, Ariz., and our Great Futures in Indian Country summit, where I joined leaders from nearly 50 tribes and Club professionals to discuss how we might deepen impact on Native youth.

Next Stop: Florida

Foosball at the Broward Club.

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, I had an awesome time with the kids at the NFL YET Lester H. White Club. I also attended the Club board meeting and their Annual Dinner, where I presented President/CEO Brian Quail our National Professional Service Award, one of our highest honors.

Brian and his team are doing amazing work with their nearly 13,000 members – and getting fantastic results:

Members enjoyed more than 700,000 snacks and meals in 2013, as the Club became the first Florida group to offer dinner through a new federally funded after-school program.

The Florida Partnership to End Childhood Hunger recognized the Club for its efforts.

The Club implemented i-Ready, an online reading and math program focusing on new Common Core State Standards for public school learning.

Hobe Sound
The following day in nearby Hobe Sound, CEO Anne McCormick and board chair Eleanor Seaman welcomed me to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. After a wonderful
meeting with Ros Clark and her daughter, Val McNeely, we spent some time at the flagship Cole-Clark unit. It’s named in honor of founders Margaret Cole and Hays Clark, Ros’ late husband and a tremendous supporter of BGCA.

High-fives in Hobe Sound.

The Club was filling with kids getting ready for an afternoon of activities and fun. The fully renovated facility includes a library, state-of-the-art computer lab and one of the few full-size gyms in the area. It has several tutoring rooms, and a stage and art room for creative programming.

The organic vegetable garden, named in honor of Ros, was my favorite stop. Planted, cultivated and harvested by Club members, the plot provides the kids with important lessons on both nutrition and sustainability.

A full week, for sure, filled with great people and inspiring experiences.

Comments

What a Week!

Last week was special for many reasons. It began in Puerto Rico, where our Clubs were hosting the TEDxYouth@San Juan youth development conference. As one of 12 speakers, it was wonderful to articulate the significance of after-school programs, the results they derive in youth, and the role that Boys & Girls Clubs play in the field. A full house was on hand, with audiences around the world tuning in to see the presentation in the acclaimed TED format.

Then it was onto Scottsdale, Ariz., and our Great Futures in Indian Country summit, where I joined leaders from nearly 50 tribes and Club professionals to discuss how we might deepen impact on Native youth.

Next Stop: Florida

Foosball at the Broward Club.

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, I had an awesome time with the kids at the NFL YET Lester H. White Club. I also attended the Club board meeting and their Annual Dinner, where I presented President/CEO Brian Quail our National Professional Service Award, one of our highest honors.

Brian and his team are doing amazing work with their nearly 13,000 members – and getting fantastic results:

Members enjoyed more than 700,000 snacks and meals in 2013, as the Club became the first Florida group to offer dinner through a new federally funded after-school program.

The Florida Partnership to End Childhood Hunger recognized the Club for its efforts.

The Club implemented i-Ready, an online reading and math program focusing on new Common Core State Standards for public school learning.

Hobe Sound
The following day in nearby Hobe Sound, CEO Anne McCormick and board chair Eleanor Seaman welcomed me to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. After a wonderful
meeting with Ros Clark and her daughter, Val McNeely, we spent some time at the flagship Cole-Clark unit. It’s named in honor of founders Margaret Cole and Hays Clark, Ros’ late husband and a tremendous supporter of BGCA.

High-fives in Hobe Sound.

The Club was filling with kids getting ready for an afternoon of activities and fun. The fully renovated facility includes a library, state-of-the-art computer lab and one of the few full-size gyms in the area. It has several tutoring rooms, and a stage and art room for creative programming.

The organic vegetable garden, named in honor of Ros, was my favorite stop. Planted, cultivated and harvested by Club members, the plot provides the kids with important lessons on both nutrition and sustainability.

A full week, for sure, filled with great people and inspiring experiences.